Tornado watch issued for parts of South Mississippi and Louisiana

SOUTH MISSISSIPPI (WLOX) - The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for parts of South Mississippi and Louisiana. The watch will be in effect until 9 a.m. Affected counties include: Hancock, Harrison and St. Tammany Parish.

A flash flood watch is also still in effect for most of South Mississippi and will continue through 1 p.m. Monday.

A coastal flood warning has also been issued for Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson Counties.

Shortly after 9:30 p.m., Meteorologist Andrew Wilson received word of yards, bayous, and roads flooding in Hancock Co. Most of the flooding is associated with high winds pushing water onto land.

Residents are being asked to be extra cautious as an approaching storm system brings the possibility of flash flooding and damaging winds.

According to forecasters with the National Weather Service, a low pressure system will move through the western Gulf, bringing between four to seven inches of rain. This could lead to minor coastal flooding of low lying areas, higher than normal tides, and small craft advisories.

MEMA and NWS also recommend taking the following steps:

Have a family emergency plan in case a weather warning is issued.

Plan a flood evacuation route with your family.

Never drive through flood waters. Roads could be damaged below the water, and flood waters could wash cars off the road.

Check and restock your emergency supply kit in case you are without electricity for an extended period of time.

If you come in contact with floodwater, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water. Floodwater may carry raw sewage, chemical waste and other infectious substances.

Avoid walking through floodwater. As little as six inches can knock you off your feet.

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